Changing profile in tourism

Press, 19 July 1988, Page 28

Changing profile in tourism

PA Wellington Increasing numbers of Japanese and Europeans are replacing declining numbers of Australians visiting New Zealand, according to arrival statistics released by the Minister of Tourism, Mr Goff. Provisional statistics for May show that the strongest growth in visitor arrivals occurred in new markets, underlining the changing pattern of tourism in New Zealand, Mr Goff said. “Growth in the hard currency markets of Europe and Asia has been particularly strong this year. The May figures confirm the growing economic importance of these countries to New Zealand tourism,” he said. “Growth in the Japanese and other new markets more than offset May’s 19.7 per cent drop in the numbers of Australian visitiors.

“Domestic attractions like Expo ’BB are expected to keep many Australians at home this year.” Japanese visitors, the biggest spenders, increased 47 per cent this May compared with May 1987, he said. Japan is now New Zealand’s third largest market.

Total arrivals for May increased 3.3 per cen over the same month last year, to a total of 49,761 visitors. The increase followed a 3.2 per cent decline in April. Numbers for the year ended May showed a iu.z per cent increase. Other high growth groups in May included Switzerland at 50 per cent, Singapore at 38 per cent, and West Germany, the Netherlands and Nordic countries all registering a 21 per cent growth for the month. United States visitor numbers increased 1.6 per cent for the month, marking a return to growth after three months of decreasing numbers.

“It’s too early to say if growth of the United States market will continue over the next few months in the face of strong competition from Expo. But the latest figure is an indication that New Zealand is holding its own as a destination for United States travellers,” Mr Goff said.

The numbers of Pacific Islands visitors were down nearly 28 per cent over May 1987, reflecting tighter immigration controls, he said.